Key facts
- India exported US$25 million of fresh grapes in FY2024-25.
- Largest destinations by value: unavailable
- 3 production clusters mapped, in Kerala; Karnataka, Maharashtra; Karnataka, Maharashtra; Gujarat; Karnataka; AP; TN; WB.
- Market guides for 20 countries, each with destination requirements and transit times.
- Certifications available from the supply base: FSSAI licence, APEDA RCMC, Phytosanitary certificate, HACCP, BRCGS Food Safety.
- Typical minimum order: One 40' reefer (about 1,600-1,800 cartons of 9 kg / about 14-16 MT) (typical).
Product overview
India's export grape belt is in Maharashtra - Nashik (Pimpalgaon, Niphad, Dindori), Sangli, Pune and Solapur - with Karnataka's Vijayapura as a secondary source. The export season runs roughly January to April, filling a counter-seasonal window for Europe and the UK between Southern Hemisphere and Mediterranean supply. A grape-specific export value for FY2024-25 was not found in the sources used.
EU-bound grapes must be registered and tested through APEDA's GrapeNet traceability system, which links each farm plot to residue monitoring. Main varieties are Thompson Seedless and its clones (Sonaka, Tas-A-Ganesh, Manik Chaman), Sharad Seedless and Krishna (black), and coloured varieties such as Crimson and Flame Seedless.
Key markets are the Netherlands, the UK and Germany in Europe, plus the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Russia and South-East Asia. Grapes are pre-cooled and shipped at about 0-1 °C with sulphur dioxide pads to control botrytis.
HS note: Raisins (dried grapes) are 0806 20.
Specifications
| Berry diameter | 16-18 mm+ for white seedless; 18 mm+ premium (typical) |
|---|---|
| TSS (Brix) | ≥ 16-18 °Brix (typical) |
| Bunch weight | 300-700 g (typical) |
| Shipping temperature | 0 to +1 °C, RH 90-95% (typical) |
| Residues | Within destination MRLs, verified via GrapeNet for EU |
Typical commercial values. Final specifications are fixed per contract and verified by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Grades & variants
Thompson Seedless and clones (Sonaka, Tas-A-Ganesh, Manik Chaman)
Green/white seedless - main export type.
Sharad Seedless / Krishna Seedless
Black seedless - popular in GCC and Asia.
Crimson / Flame Seedless
Red seedless for EU and UK retail.
Jumbo / elongated black
Premium Asian markets.
Packaging, MOQ & container loading
| Packing | Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Retail punnets | 500 g punnets in 4.5-5 kg cartons | EU/UK retail |
| Loose / bags | 8-9 kg cartons with SO2 pads and liners | GCC and Asia |
Container load (estimate): 20' GP about 7-9 MT · 40' HC about 14-16 MT net (palletised cartons). Reefer at 0-1 °C; pallet count limits load
Customisation: Punnet sizes, buyer-brand cartons, variety mix
Where we source in India
Producing regions and manufacturing clusters our supplier network draws from.
Maharashtra
Nashik, Sangli, Pune, Solapur
Nashik Grapes GI (registry not re-verified); main export belt
Karnataka
Vijayapura, Bagalkot
Secondary supply
Market requirements by region
European Union
EU-bound grapes must come from plots registered in APEDA GrapeNet with residue monitoring; Netherlands and Germany are the main entry points.
United Kingdom
UK: the India-UK CETA entered into force on 15 July 2026 (reported) - claim preference with proof of origin; higher-risk food needs IPAFFS pre-notification. UK retail buys Indian grapes in the Feb-April window; CETA preference applies with proof of origin.
Gulf (GCC)
UAE: Dubai Municipality FIRS requires the importer to register the company and each food item (label assessment) before arrival; Arabic/English labelling per GSO 9; India-UAE CEPA preference with a CEPA certificate of origin. UAE and Saudi Arabia take black and white seedless in bulk cartons.
South Asia
Bangladesh is a large price-driven buyer by road and sea.
General guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your customs broker or the regulator.
Quality control
- • APEDA GrapeNet farm registration and residue testing for EU
- • Pre-cooling and packhouse QC
- • Pre-shipment inspection on request
- • Temperature logger in reefer
Certifications available
- • FSSAI licence
- • APEDA RCMC
- • Phytosanitary certificate
- • HACCP
- • BRCGS Food Safety
Held by the producing supplier for the specific lot; copies shared with the quote.
Shipping documents
- • Commercial invoice
- • Packing list
- • Bill of lading
- • Certificate of origin (preferential where an FTA applies)
- • Phytosanitary certificate
- • Residue test report (APEDA traceability system where applicable)
- • Pre-cooling and reefer temperature record
- • GlobalG.A.P. certificate copy (if specified)
Trade data
| Period | Flow | Value (USD mn) | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2024-25 | India exportsLine: Fresh grapes | 25 | unavailable | — |
Top destinations: unavailable
Export markets
Frequently asked questions
When is the Indian grape export season?
Roughly January to April, with peak shipments in February and March.
What is GrapeNet?
APEDA's online traceability and residue-monitoring system that registers grape farms and tests produce for EU exports.
Which varieties do you supply?
Thompson Seedless and clones such as Sonaka, black Sharad and Krishna Seedless, and red Crimson and Flame Seedless.
How are grapes kept fresh in transit?
They are pre-cooled and shipped at 0-1 °C with sulphur dioxide pads in the cartons.
Request a quote for Fresh Table Grapes (Thompson Seedless, Sonaka, Sharad, Crimson, Flame)
Tell us grade, quantity and destination. We reply with options, packaging and pricing on your Incoterm.
